Santa Rosa Celebrates SF Beer Week with FeBREWary Events

Northern California is considered by many to be the birthplace of the craft beer movement, and every year they celebrate with a weeklong festival hosted by the San Francisco Brewers Guild. Now in its 10th year, the 2018 San Francisco Beer Week will be held from February 9 through February 18. Last year there were over 900 events, including special beer releases, chef’s food pairings and homebrewing demonstrations. Breweries in Santa Rosa, a little north of San Francisco, are making big plans for SF Beer Week. Here are a few you’ll want to add to your calendar.

Passport to Paradise

As part of SF Beer Week, Visit Santa Rosa in Sonoma County is inviting everyone in the month of FeBREWary (2/6 — 2/28) to come and visit this beautiful city and experience the dynamic craft beer scene. Pick up a Santa Rosa Beer Passport at participating breweries, Willibees, Brew, or the California Welcome Center, and begin your culinary adventure.

Obtain a stamp at each watering hole. A total of eight — you begin with two for free — and you are eligible to claim your well-deserved prize: a 2018 Santa Rosa Beer Passport bottle opener medal and lanyard or a commemorative 2018 Santa Rosa Beer Passport beer stein. Local establishments taking part include Russian River, Plow, Cooperage, 2 Tread, HenHouse, Third Street Aleworks, Fogbelt and Bear Republic.

Return of Pliny the Younger

Santa Rosa breweries will also be celebrating the month of FeBREWary by hosting their own unique events. Chief among them is the ever-popular Russian River release of Pliny the Younger, traditionally held on the first Friday of February. Now in its 15th year, this “triple” IPA is chock full of amazing hops and will be available on draft each day at the Russian River brewpub from February 2-15. No bottles or growlers — only fresh flavor direct from the source. This popular event always draws big crowds, so you may want to make this your first stop of the day!

Can You See the Beer Amongst the Trees?

Fogbelt Brewing Company will be kicking off the celebration on February 10 with their 4th Anniversary Party, complete with live music, a pig roast, and a triple-release of their Godwood Triple IPA, Dyerville Imperial Red Ale (aged in bourbon barrels), and Brotherhood Belgian Dubbel (aged in brandy barrels).

Other Fogbelt events will include Beer Nerd Trivia February 13 from 7-9:00 p.m., and End of Beer Week All Day Brunch on February 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Fight Fire with Beer

Amy and Aron Levin, founders of St. Florian’s Brewing, prep for the brewery’s anniversary. (Steve Shapiro)

On Saturday, February 10 from 12-8:00 p.m., St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor will be celebrating five years in existence. Named after the patron saint of firefighters, St. Florian’s is co-owned by a full-time fire captain, whose heroics include helping to fight the wildfires that swept through the region in October.

Their fifth-anniversary celebration will include live music, food trucks, and the chance to hold up a pint in honor of those affected by the fires. Another great reason to add this to your list is St. Florian’s donates a minimum of 5 percent of their profits to fire-related and other community-based organizations.

Who Are You Callin’ Chicken?

HenHouse Brewing Company will be releasing their Big Chicken Double IPA on February 14. This aromatic brew sells out quickly every year because of its fresh, hoppy goodness. The secret: they keg, deliver, and tap the whole batch in one day.

Hog’s Apothecary in Oakland will feature Big Chicken Double IPA, along with a delicious chicken dinner, on February 15 from 4-12 a.m.

Also in Oakland, Drake’s Dealership will host an epic beer dinner battle royale with HenHouse Brewing February 12 from 6-9:00 p.m. They will also debut their new smoked imperial stout collaboration beer, Fowl Play V: No Styles No Masters.

SF Beer Week North Bay Fire Beer-nefit

SPARK Social SF, a food truck park in Mission Bay, will be honoring the communities and celebrating the resilience of the North Bay over a few of its best beers. Enjoy unlimited samples of new, rare and classic brews from a wide range of Sonoma County’s best craft breweries. Raise a limited-edition, commemorative glass and discover the flavors that make Northern California one of the best beer producing regions in the world! Then pair your pint with delicious eats from some of San Francisco’s best food trucks. Proceeds support the communities that were impacted by the North Bay fires.